OSHA’s Safe + Sound Week, Aug. 10-16, is a nationwide event held each year that recognizes the successes of workplace health and safety programs and offers information and ideas on how to keep America’s workers safe.
Successful safety and health programs can proactively identify and manage workplace hazards before they cause injury or illness, improving sustainability and the bottom line.
This week is the perfect time for home builders to review their written job site safety and health programs. A written safety program is a requirement for construction job sites under OSHA regulations. All employees must be aware of the program and many elements are required to be posted on the site.
NAHB has developed free safety program resources for home builders and contractors. The Safety Program Toolkit is designed for small to medium-sized home builders and general contractors to use as a model for their own safety programs.
The NAHB model safety program contains the materials needed to effortlessly set up a successful, company-wide safety program, including company and employee documentation and notices that can be posted on the job site. It can be customized to reflect the particular circumstances of each job site.
Last year, NAHB teamed up with sponsor James Hardie to offer a safety program for siding contractors. It also serves as a model program designed for small companies primarily engaged in installing siding of fiber cement, wood, aluminum, vinyl, or other exterior finish material (except brick, stone, stucco, or curtain wall) on residential buildings.
In addition to a written plan for general job site safety, NAHB reminds members that diligence must be continued to slow the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. NAHB published job site guidance for coronavirus safety early in the pandemic, and has since updated it to stay current with the latest guidance from government and public health authorities.
The safety and health of NAHB members, and all who work in residential construction, is a top organizational priority. A culture of safety begins with a thorough plan that is readily accessible to managers, workers and subcontractors.
For questions about safety programs, contact Rob Matuga.
